Transformation Tools

Scale Rotate Skew Flip Move Decompose Glue Scalpel Send to Back/Bring to Front

Create Array Align Close Selected Figures Reverse Line Direction

Decompose () is a powerful operation that converts an object into simpler pieces. Decompose is useful for editing portions of an object that you would not normally be able to edit. For example, you could add text for "Hi", decompose the text, and delete the dot off the "i". Once an object is decomposed, you cannot convert the decomposed pieces back to the original object, except by Undoing the decompose.

Decompose converts every selected object into its next simplest representation, as shown by the table. Repeated decomposes will eventually turn the selected object into a set of lines. A line is an atomic object and cannot be decomposed.

Object Type Decompose Action
Icon*, Text * Converts into a series of filled polygons. The "hollow" parts of letters or icons will be overlapping polygons filled with the map background color.
Curved Text Separates each letter into a different piece of text.
Curve*, Fractal Curve*, Fractal Line * Converted into a polyline.
Polyline Separates each component line into a distinct line segment.
Fractal Polyline Converts into a series of fractal lines.
Polycurve Separates each component curve into a distinct curve.
Fractal Polycurve Separates each component fractal curve into a distinct fractal curve.
Group Ungroups.
Line None.

* The display size of the symbols when decomposed influences the resolution of the conversion. For a more accurate shape, zoom in closer before decomposing. For fewer points and less accuracy, zoom out before decomposing.